What is a USDA Certified Biobased Product?
A USDA Certified Biobased Product is one that consists of a significant percentage of renewable, plant-based materials (biobased content). These are products that are accredited through the BioPreferred Program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Products have the USDA Certified Biobased Product label that indicates the percentage of bio-based content so consumers know that the product is created from renewable sources.
USDA Certified Biobased Product List
USDA Certified Biobased Product List (USDA Certified Biobased Product List) is a list published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that represents products that have met Biobased Product Certification Program standards. This programme certifies that products have a minimum biobased content, in other words they are made of renewable or plant or animal-based materials and not petroleum-based.
To access the USDA Certified Biobased Product List, visit the USDA website or search the BioPreferred Program database to search for certified products by category or brand. Some common categories of certified biobased products include:
- Cleaning products (detergents, solvents)
- Lubricants and greases
- Personal care products (shampoos, soaps, lotions)
- Construction materials (paints, adhesives)
- Agricultural products (fertilizers, pesticides)
- Packaging materials
- Consumer goods (clothing, footwear, etc.)
For the latest and most detailed information, you can access the USDA BioPreferred Program website directly at BioPreferred.gov.
What are the Biobased Content Values for Biobased Product?
| Product Category | Biobased Content Range | Examples |
| General Biobased Content | | |
| - Low Biobased Content | < 25% | Products with mainly petroleum-based components, with some renewable additives |
| - Medium Biobased Content | 25% - 50% | Some bio-lubricants, bio-based inks, personal care products |
| - High Biobased Content | 50% - 75% | Industrial lubricants, bioplastics, bio-based packaging |
| - Very High Biobased Content | > 75% | Bio-based oils, bio-based coatings, high-sustainability consumer goods |
| - 100% Biobased Content | 100% | Cotton textiles, 100% bio-based packaging, food packaging films |
| Specific Product Categories | | |
| - Cleaning Products | 25% - 75% | Green cleaning products, plant-derived surfactants |
| - Personal Care Products | 30% - 95% | Shampoos, lotions, soaps made from plant-based ingredients |
| - Lubricants and Oils | 50% - 95% | Bio-lubricants, vegetable oil-based motor oils |
| - Packaging Materials | 25% - 100% | Biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging |
| - Agricultural Products | 50% - 100% | Organic fertilizers, biopesticides, bio-based herbicides |
| - Construction Materials | 25% - 90% | Biobased insulation, paints, adhesives, coatings |
| - Consumer Goods | 30% - 100% | Biobased textiles, footwear, furniture |
| - Automotive Products | 10% - 80% | Bioplastics for dashboards, seat covers, and other components |
| Bioplastics | | |
| - Partially Biobased Plastics | 25% - 50% | Polyethylene from sugarcane, partially biobased plastics |
| - Fully Biobased Plastics | 100% | PLA from corn or other plant-based sugars |
| Measuring Biobased Content | | ASTM D6866, Carbon-14 Dating Method |
Any product's biocontent is directly proportional to its environmental impact and sustainability. As people are looking for alternative eco-friendly products, bio-based products will gain market penetration, especially in the fields of agriculture, construction, and packaging. As consumers and businesses start to care more about sustainability, the bio-asset of products will continue to be a deciding factor.
Biobased Testing Technologies
Biobased Testing Technologies are the tests performed to determine the amount of renewable, biological elements in a product. These methods are used to determine the biobased percentage and quality of biobased products that meet requirements for USDA Certified Biobased Products certifications. Here are a few of the major testing approaches:
1. Carbon-14 (C-14) Dating Method
It is a measure of carbon-14 content in an item by delineating between biobased (renewable) and fossil-based (petroleum-derived) carbon levels.
Principle: There's always carbon-14 naturally in everything. The C-14 is known to decompose when you die (half-life of 5730 years). Bio-based products still have measurable C-14, and fossil-based products have very little C-14.
Applications: Used mostly in bio plastics, paints, coatings and other bioplastics to identify their renewable amount.
2. ASTM D6866 Method
ASTM D6866 is a reference test method for biobased composition of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples. This approach employs both carbon isotope measurements and ratio calculations between renewable (from plants) and non-renewable (from fossil).
Principle: The carbon in the sample is measured to check for isotopic composition. Carbon-12 to carbon-14 ratio is then multiplied by the ratio of fossil carbon (total zero) to arrive at the biobased content.
Applications: Used in certifying bio products such as bioplastics, lubricants, coatings and solvents.
Different Regional Standards for Biobased Product Testing
Biobased product testing standards are procedures and regulations for validating products' biobased content. These are guidelines designed to make sure that biobased content in product labels is actually what it is on the label – thus preserving consumers' right to know the truth. Given that different countries and regions may adopt varying standards, companies seeking biobased product certification must closely monitor their target sales markets and follow the applicable regional standards to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
| Country/Region | Standard Adopted | Description |
| International Standards | ASTM D6866 | - Originally developed for the USDA BioPreferred program.
- Applicable to various products (solid, liquid, gas).
- Measures the percentage of biobased carbon in total organic carbon in the test sample.
|
| ISO 16620 | - Applicable to plastic products, polymers, and additives.
- ISO 16620-2 measures biobased carbon as a percentage of total carbon or total organic carbon.
|
| ISO 19984 | - Applicable to rubber and rubber products, including polyurethane.
- Measures the percentage of biobased carbon in the test sample.
|
| European Standards | EN 16640 | - Applicable to all biobased products.
- Measures the percentage of biocarbon content in the total carbon content of the sample.
|
| EN 16766 | - Biobased carbon content testing according to EN 16640 or EN 16785-1.
- Applicable only to biobased solvents.
|
| EN 16785 | - This standard refers to the radiocarbon test method in EN 16640.
- Applicable to any carbon-containing solid, liquid, or gaseous products.
|
| EN 16807 | - Biobased carbon content testing according to ASTM D6866 or EN 16640.
- Applicable only to biobased lubricants.
|
| EN 17035 | - The biobased carbon content test in this standard refers to EN 16640 and EN 16785-1.
- Applicable only to biobased surfactants.
|
| EN 17228 | - Refers to the biobased carbon content test standards ISO 16620-2, EN 16640, and EN 16785-1.
- It will replace the CEN/TS 16137 and CEN/TS 16295 standards.
- Applicable to biobased plastics and plastic products.
|
FAQ About USDA Certified Biobased Products
1. How do I get the USDA Certified Biobased Product label?
For the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, a product must be certified by the USDA for biobased content. This involves:
- Testing the product's biobased content using standardized methods.
- Submitting the product's data to the USDA BioPreferred Program for evaluation.
- Meeting a minimum biobased content percentage for certification. Once certified, you can use the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on your product.
2. How do you know what a Biobased Product is and if it's a USDA Certified Biobased Product?
A Biobased Product is just any product made of renewable plant or animal materials, but a USDA Certified Biobased Product has been certified by the USDA as meeting defined biobased content standards. The USDA certifies to the customer that the product contains high quantities of biobased content, and it can carry the USDA Certified Biobased Product label.
3. How to Get USDA Certified?
USDA Certification takes a number of steps:
- Submit Product Information: Manufacturers must report ingredient information, manufacturing steps, and biobased content.
- Biobased Content Testing: The product has to be biobased content tested. This is done by means such as ASTM D6866.
- Certification Review: USDA reviews product information and testing to ensure the product contains the required percentage of biobased.
- Receive Certification:Once the product is USDA-certified, the manufacturer receives certification and has permission to display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on their product.
4. What is the minimum biobased content for certification?
Minimum biobased content to be certified differs from product to product. Most items in general need to be at least 25% biobased. However, the specific threshold may vary based on product type and other factors. Some products may require higher biobased content to meet the USDA's standards.
5. Does USDA Certification cost money?
Yes, USDA Certified Biobased Product certification is generally paid for. The cost can vary based on the company size, number of products that are to be certified and certification type.
6. What is the time frame for USDA Certification?
The certification can be conducted for months, 4-6 months (Depending on the product complexity and completeness of the application). This includes time for testing, data submission, and USDA review.
7. Is it possible to use the USDA Certified Biobased Product label if I am not certified?
No, manufacturers must be certified and approved by the USDA BioPreferred Program before they can put the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on products. There is no legal or permissible use of the label and penalties could apply.
8. Can I use the USDA Certified Biobased Product label abroad?
The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is only valid in the US. But a renewed emphasis on sustainability and renewable materials are also making it more desirable for international markets to accept and promote the consumption of biobased goods. Brands looking for international approval may need to look to international standards for biobased products.
9. What is the benefit of USDA Certified Biobased Product label for consumers?
When consumers view USDA Certified Biobased Product labels, they can instantly see which products contain renewable, plant-based ingredients. This allows them to be well informed, and select products that suit their environmental and sustainability philosophies. The label makes sure the sustainability claim is backed up by fact, and can help us lead a greener, more sustainable life.
10. What are the advantages of USDA Certified for Manufacturers?
These are some of the USDA certification's advantages for manufacturers:
- Market Differentiation: The certification can make a product differentiate in the market with its sustainability and renewable content.
- Access to Government Contracts: Some government contracts mandate biobased products, and USDA certification can assist firms to get those contracts.
- Consumer Confidence: USDA Certified Biobased Product stamp establishes credibility with the environmental-conscious consumers.
- Sustainability Branding: Certification signals to businesses that they care about sustainability and renewable resources and can make a good impression with eco-friendly customers.
11. How do I maintain USDA Certification?
Companies that want to continue to get USDA certification must comply with the program's biobased content requirements. It's through periodic re-certification, making sure the product formulation stays the same, and biobased content is still meeting or exceeding thresholds.
References
- Priya, A. K., et al. "Bio-based agricultural products: a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals for promoting a circular economy." RSC Sustainability 1.4 (2023): 746-762.
- Kunioka, M. et al. "Biobased contents of organic fillers and polycaprolactone composites with cellulose fillers measured by accelerator mass spectrometry based on ASTM D6866." Journal of Polymers and the Environment 15 (2007): 281-287.
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